Energy efficient lamp to light up Diwali

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) Energy efficient version of traditional lamps will be launched this Deepawali, Petroluem Minister Murli Deora said today.

The move is part of the government's efforts to meet the rising energy demand in the country. Called 'nutan deep', the lamp would be similar to the kerosene ones and would be launched by Deepawali (November 9).

Speaking at the foundation laying function of ONGC's new office-cum-energy research centre here, he said the lamp would be run on kerosene and would save more than 50 per cent fuel and give better lighting.

''This scheme will benefit crores of rural households who use these lamps for lighting their houses,'' the minister said.

The lamps that would be available at subsidised prices will protect the interests of 'aam aadmi' as has been displayed by not hiking prices of kerosene and domestic LPG - household fuel mainly used by BPL families - despite the unprecedented rise in international prices of crude oil, Mr Deora said.

The government was also implementing environment-friendly fuel policies. ''Under this programme, we have targeted a five per cent blend of ethanol in petrol and in the first phase about 60 crore litres of ethanol will be procured per year,'' he said.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp's (ONGC) new high-tech corporate office-cum-energy research centre here.

The foundation stone of Rs 500 crore Rajiv Gandhi Urja Bhawan marked the birth anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was also present on the occasion.

UNI